“We can never know about the days to come, but we can think about them anyway”

Those words from Carly Simon’s classic song, “Anticipation,” could apply to any number of endeavors but none more appropriately than spring turkey hunting in the Carolinas. When turkey hunters aren’t actually in the woods, they relish thinking about hunts to come or reminiscing about those in days gone by.

A new book by Otha Barham, titled “Spring Beckonings,” allows readers to do both of those things in the company of an old time sportsman and accomplished weaver of tales. As Jim Casada, noted author and turkey hunter in his own right said,” Otha Barham is a master at capturing the sport’s essence, and in these (191) pages you will meet some delightful characters, vicariously participate in some mesmerizing hunts, and best of all, march in lockstep with a man who knows how to share the essence of a sport which holds all who fall under its spell in thrall.”

House Bill 936, called the Wildlife Poacher Reward Fund, has been introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly. The legislation, if approved, would offer financial rewards to persons who provide information that results in the arrest and conviction of persons involved in “the taking, injury, removal, damage, or destruction of wildlife resources.” The N.C. Camo Coalition, N.C. Wildlife Federation and other wildlife conservation groups strongly support the bill and are urging sportsmen across the state to contact their elected representatives and urge them to do likewise.

Saltwater Fishing Report

Offshore: Yellowfin and blackfin tuna, dolphin and a few wahoo were landed by boats out of MoreheadCityand the OregonInletFishingCenterearlier in the week. The weather, not the fishing, dictated how many boats went out.

Nearshore: False albacore and bonita made some strong runs off TopsailIslandand Bogue Banks while flounder have started to show up around structure close to shore. The latter have been hitting bucktails tipped with Gulp baits.

Piers: Bogue Banks and TopsailIslandocean piers reported runs of sea mullet and bluefish, including some “Hatteras blues” up to 12 lb. by mid-week. Small numbers of pompano, spots and red drum were also landed.

Inside & Surf: Sea mullet and grey trout continue to be cooperative in the inlets and adjacent parts of the Intracoastal Waterway. The same species as well as black drum and bluefish have kept anglers busy around the Ft.Maconrock jetty and in sloughs close to the beach.